The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m. at the Lake Wales Public Library located at 290 Cypress Garden Lane in Lake Wales to collect public comment on the proposed reevaluation of minimum levels for Lake Wailes.
During the meeting, District staff will review the technical basis for the recommended minimum levels for Wailes. Please visit WaterMatters.org/projects/mfls/lake-wailes-minimum-level-reevaluationto find recommended minimum levels for Lake Wailes summarized in draft reports and to submit public comments through the webpage. Minimum levels for Lake Wailes were previously established in 2015, and currently, Lake Wailes is meeting its Minimum Lake Level.
All public comments are summarized and shared with the District’s Governing Board for its consideration. District staff anticipate presenting the recommended minimum levels for Lake Wailes at the Oct. 27, 2026 Governing Board meeting. Governing Board meetings are open to the public and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.
The Florida Legislature requires the District to set minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for priority water bodies within the District. Minimum flows are established to prevent significant harm to streams and rivers from impacts associated with groundwater and surface water withdrawals, while minimum levels are established to prevent significant harm to lakes and wetlands. The District’s scientists use numerous tools to collect, develop and analyze data before recommending a minimum flow or level. MFLs serve as guidelines for the District’s permitting programs and for development of water resource projects.
For questions regarding the recommended MFL, please contact Jason Patterson, lead scientific modeler with the District’s Natural Systems and Restoration Bureau at (352) 269-6243. Written comments regarding the proposed minimum levels are also welcome and can be submitted via mail or email no later than Oct. 9 to 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604 or Jason.Patterson@WaterMatters.org.